Kitty-May

With the amount of emerging talent currently bursting onto the scene, it can be hard to keep up with the hottest new acts.

So here at Hot Vox we’re slowing things down and really taking the time to check out one of our favourite new acts.

Ahead of a promising EP release slated for the 1st November, 2024: today we do a Deep Dive into Kitty-May’s 5-track record After Dark…

Our story begins with an alternate Kitty-May, one in the cobble streets of East Anglia seeking justifications of her emotions. The premise of this story is straightforward – LOVE. However it doesn’t come in the prettiest circumstances, even if “there’s still pretty things waiting…I think?” Kitty-May, our protagonist moving forward, will experience five individual stages of growth, from HOPE to ANGER to ACCEPTANCE. And while our main story is compelling, ‘It’s Impossible’ to leave the exciting musicianship out of the discussion.

“Tomorrow” becomes a running cliché lyrically in assumption of potential change of a significant other. HOPE is a very peculiar thing, a true combination of thoughts and feelings. Outlined by a melodramatic groove from the bass, the ground of our main character remains level as we etch closer to the ultimate realisation that will conclude the journey. It’s a colorful imagination to infer “tomorrow’s” daisies and roses, followed by a monologue about exhaustion in her patience, that defines what it takes to HOPE for a change never coming. ‘It’s Impossible’, and it was also the only single released prior to this particular record for good reason. The presence of the bass guitar has a multitude of moments that elevate the songwriting; its bop-like texture oozes Kitty-May’s nature inspiration and gives off subtle notions of the blues. We HOPE you listen to the UK’s brightest emo-indiepop superstar and save this extraordinary single.

Nevertheless, the next chapter commences as a ballad in G Major. For our non-musician listeners, think of Paul McCartney’s rendition of the infamous ‘Yesterday’. And it’s a topical comparison, as yesterday’s past directly affects tomorrow’s transformation. The understanding that the second track is about REGRET has never been clearer, but in case you needed further evidence the most gut-wrenching line of the lyrics, and a personal favourite: “I’m feeling the way I’m feeling, cause in reality I start breathing”. Underneath the line is a very tense chord progression that continues the bluesy folk influence, similar to Jim Croce’s ‘You Don’t Mess Around with Jim’. What it results in can only be described as a sigh of relief, when the chorus ends and you ‘Know You’re Not the Reason’…or at least just HOPE.

If you ever needed a song that quickly settles the mood and gets you to bounce around, ‘One Step Away’ is the perfect addition to that playlist you’ve been sitting on! It is a strong representation of having the authority to control your destiny, in a trendy yet rebellious manner. Straight from Kitty-May, “try walking in my shoes; it would be an easy run if I wasn’t holding your hand”. Let’s be real, we all know that’s not a romantic expression of holding hands. She may be experiencing ANGER or DENIAL at this point. The boldness in the clarity of the production mix though makes the sudden switch at the interlude -Pop!- as a distinct parallel to the steps of the hyped realisation we’re inching closer towards. Quite convenient that at the middle of our journey does the protagonist begins “wondering if things will change or simply stay the same”. This moment relates to the audience thanks to the collective of instrumentation (shout-out to the bassist, once again) and the production of the sound design. An abrupt ending settles the argument but also truly showcases the artist’s songwriting caliber.

For context, assume that every time ‘Pretty Things’ is said in the track Kitty-May is insinuating that there are memories to be made. We here at the office had a long discussion about the meaning of the lyrics, which has resulted in many interpretations of its desired meaning – we can confidently say it’s genius! The composition starts with a filtering effect layered in the master mix, depicting internal thoughts kept quiet. There is a plethora of purposeful compliments placed throughout.

“Need to set myself out…I will make myself great.”

“There’s still Pretty Things waiting for me…”

“You may never know how much it means to me that you stayed.”

However, this song is about ANGUISH, GRIEF, HURT in some way shape or form. We’ve bounced ideas like personal growth, the heartbreak healing process, relationship insecurities, and one even talked about compromise to restore what once was. A key bit to recognize is the transition from the “fall further down” simultaneous with the progression underneath, it does wonders for the chorus overall.

The record ends with ‘Simply Not Meant to Be’, the ACCEPTANCE in our story that nothing is changing for Kitty-May. We get the vibe there’s some musical influence buried in the concept for this song with a feature from another local musician The Marijanovic. It’s a beautiful conversation of communication between two polar opposite positions on LOVE, one who’s now following the same steps this EP takes and one who has accepted that HOPE has disappeared. In a more shocking anecdote, both speakers have reasons that justify their perspective; thus, the conversation is open-minded and genuine. Kitty-May does a wonderful job at showcasing the intent behind her acceptance not being one of pain but rather maturity. It’s clear to understand why this song is a fan-favorite, just listen for yourself.

Kitty-May’s second, titled Something Missing EP releases on the 1st November, 2024. You can catch her performing with Hot Vox next on the 20th November at The Sindercombe Social. Do you like a mix of indie, folk, emo and pop music? This show is for you.